Columba McVeigh

Columba disappeared on 1st November 1975, his body has never been recovered.

Columba, by his family…

"Columba was the third of four precious children born to Paddy and Vera McVeigh.He grew up in the rural setting of Castlecaulfield in Co Tyrone where life was sometimes hard making the security of a loving family very special. Columba grew up to be a fine big tall and handsome fella with curly golden hair".

"He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his bike, playing football, often returning home covered in muck from head to toe. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed playing a trick on family and friends. He worked hard and went to Dublin to take up a job. It was from there that Columba disappeared 29 years ago at the age of 17".

Robert Nairac

Robert disappeared in 1977.

His body has never been recovered.

Joe Lynskey

In February 2010 Joe Lynskey was added to the official list of The Disappeared. He went missing from his West Belfast home in 1972.

Columba McVeigh

Columba disappeared on 1st November 1975, his body has never been recovered.

Columba, by his family…

"Columba was the third of four precious children born to Paddy and Vera McVeigh.He grew up in the rural setting of Castlecaulfield in Co Tyrone where life was sometimes hard making the security of a loving family very special. Columba grew up to be a fine big tall and handsome fella with curly golden hair".

"He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his bike, playing football, often returning home covered in muck from head to toe. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed playing a trick on family and friends. He worked hard and went to Dublin to take up a job. It was from there that Columba disappeared 29 years ago at the age of 17".

Robert Nairac

Robert disappeared in 1977.

His body has never been recovered.

Joe Lynskey

In February 2010 Joe Lynskey was added to the official list of The Disappeared. He went missing from his West Belfast home in 1972.

Seamus Ruddy

Seamus disappeared in Paris on 9th May 1985. His body was recovered on May 6th 2017.

Seamus, by his family…

"Seamus was of average build, about 5ft 6” with dark brown hair. He had a beard, although in springtime he sometimes shaved it off to leave just a moustache. Under his glasses he had the most beautiful blue eyes. He was 33 years old when he disappeared. He was the youngest boy of a family of 9. He had 5 sisters and 3 brothers. He lived in Newry and educated at Newry CBS".

"You couldn’t say Seamus was one type of person. He was a different person to everyone who knew him; I only discovered that after his disappearance".

"Seamus was a kind hearted, thoughtful and humorous person. He was wise, caring, a walking encyclopaedia, meticulous and a hard worker at whatever he chose to do. He was always concerned about the welfare and well being of his 34 nephews and nieces. On Christmas morning he visited as many of Santa’s houses as he could to play with the children’s toys!"

"He was a very good listener and he was able to enjoy the craic wherever he went. He enjoyed a good laugh and always looked for the positive side of the situation. His laugh was an infectious one, so when he laughed you laughed too".

"Seamus really enjoyed all types of music especially The Chieftains, Christy Moore and Planxty. The Flead Cheoils were a part of his life. Otis Reading and Aretha Franklin were also appreciated by him. Rory Gallagher and Thin Lizzy were rated highly too".

"He was an avid reader especially politics and world affairs and he could discuss the current affairs of any country in the world".

"Seamus was always there for his friends, no matter who needed help he would come to their aid. He even played hurley once for Newry Shamrocks because they were a man short and he was co-opted on to the team".

"He definitely was not athletic but still played to help the team out. Seamus always fulfilled his promises. It was not in his vocabulary to let anyone down. I think friends would describe him as dependable, kind and trustworthy".

Jean McConville

Jean disappeared on the 7th December 1972. Her body was recovered on 27th August, 2003 at Shillington Beach, Co. Louth.

Jean, by her family…

“Mum was 37 years old and she had dark brown hair and lovely blue eyes. She was small in height and she was a very quiet woman who was gentle and caring”.

“I remember Mum and Dad always together and can remember Mum always wearing an apron like the one in the picture and she always folded her arms like the way she is in the picture Mum and Dad were close and we were a close family. She always came round at night and gave us a good night kiss. After my Daddy died she was just trying to raise her own children by herself and that couldn’t have been easy but she did her best”.

“Mum was always busy and she was rarely out of the house. She was at home all the time in the house clearing and making sure we were all clean and that there was food on the table for us. She had a good sense of humour too and always had time for her family. The one hobby she enjoyed was bingo and other than that she was always with her children”.

“It has been terrible since she was taken. From day one we were put in a home and we had to learn how to survive on our own. You had to learn to survive if you wanted to get on with your life because the home wasn’t easy. It was very strict but being split up from your brothers and sisters was the hardest thing of all”.

Eamon Molloy

Eamon disappeared 1st July 1975. His body located on the 28th May 1999 at Old Faughart Cemetery, four miles outside Dundalk.

Eamon, by his family…

"Eamon was of average size. He was 21 years old when he disappeared. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. Eamon was very thoughtful to others less fortunate than himself. He was a shy young man and was easily embarrassed when he was younger but he grew out of that as he got older".

"He loved playing snooker and he was learning to play the mandolin at the time of his disappearance".

"He had so many friends. Some of them still call to see me and they talk about things that happened when they were young and the things that happened in school. They still talk about how they miss him and the fun they all used to have together".

Brian McKinney

Brian disappeared 25th May 1978. His body was located on 29th June 1999 at Colgagh, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan along with John McClory’s body. John McClory had been kidnapped an hour earlier.

Brian, by his family…

"Brian was small and his nickname was “Bru” because of Brian Bru was a giant and he was so small. He had dark brown hair, which he loved, and he kept it well groomed. He was 22 years old when he was taken away from us".

"Brian was never a well boy. He was in and out of hospital and had bad asthma and eczema. When he was 14 years old he was diagnosed as having the mind of a six year old. It was genetic thing. We were all very protective of Brian. He was very popular in the area with the neighbours and he was always singing and he played a mouth organ and the guitar. In fact, sometimes you had to tell him to be quiet. He was very musical. Brian was funny without even meaning to be, he hadn’t an ounce of sense".

"He went out to work on Thursday 25th May 1978 and he never came home. I still can’t get him out of my mind especially what he must have felt like in his last moments. I know he would have cried".

"His friends would tell you how good natured he was. He would have given away his last penny. He would have been very easily led but he wouldn’t have harmed a fly. He is still so much missed by us all".

Eugene Simons

Eugene disappeared on 1st January 1981. His body was recovered by accident three years later on the 24th May 1984 in a bog at Knockbridge, Dundalk.

Eugene, by his family…

"Eugene was fairly tall, about 5ft 11”. He was 26 years old and he had brown hair. He was abducted on New Years Day in 1981".

"Eugene was a plumber by trade and he was never out of work. He was a very good tradesman. He loved angling, darts and a social night out".

"He got on well with all he came in to contact with but sadly it was some of his so called friends that set him up for abduction".

.

Danny McIlhone

Danny disappeared on 1st July 1981.

His body was discovered in 2008 in bogland near the Blessington Lakes in Co. Wicklow.

Gareth O’Connor

Gareth disappeared 11th May 2003. His body was found June 12th 2005 at Victoria Lock, just outside of Newry.

Gareth O’Connor was not included in the remit and legislation of 1999 for The Independant Commission for The Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR)

Gareth, by his family…

"Gareth was very tall and well built with short dark brown hair. He was 24 years old when he disappeared".

"Gareth was a very good-natured person and he was friendly and easy to get on with. He would have been the first person to help you when needed. Gareth was a very outgoing person and was also a practical joker. He was always playing some sort of jokes on people".

"Gareth’s hobbies were around fixing up old cars and bodybuilding. He would have trained 7 nights a week at a local gym".

"I think Gareth’s friends would have described him as a very loyal friend and fun to be with. His friends miss him badly. His close friends find it hard to talk about what has happened".

John McClory

John disappeared on the 25th of May 1978. His body was located on 29th June 1999 at Colgagh, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan along with Brian McKinney’s body.

John, by his family…

"John was very tall with long black hair. He was very tall for his age. He was almost 19 years old when he disappeared. He was a friendly boy and always tried to help the elderly neighbours who lived beside us. He would help them carry their shopping to the house. He was very outgoing, funny and very talkative".

"John took great pride in his appearance especially his long hair. His hair was his pride and joy!"

"He loved sports but was an armchair fan, rather than actively playing any sports. He was just like any other 18 year old, living life to the full and enjoying himself".

"His friends and his family miss him very much. I know his friends would have viewed him differently than me. I only had seen him as my brother, although when I talk to some of his friends we have a laugh about what he used to get up to".

Charlie Armstrong

Charlie disappeared on 15th August 1981. His body was found in County Monaghan in July 2010.

Charlie, by his family…

"Charlie was medium in height and roughly 5 ft 4”. He was 54 years old when he disappeared and he had receding brown hair. Charlie was a very pleasant, outgoing man. He was a very talkative person who loved a bit of craic with other people and he could be very funny. His hobbies were mainly around animals. He loved horse racing and backing horses, he also loved dogs and caged birds. He was a football fan and enjoyed gardening, decorating and fishing".

"Charlie’s friends would describe him as being very obliging, always willing to help neighbours. Nothing was too much for him to do for other people".

"Charlie was a very good husband and father. He was a very caring person".

Gerard Evans

Gerard Anthony (Gerry) disappeared on his way home to Crossmaglen. He was last seen on the roadside out of Castleblaney trying to hitch a lift back home. His body was found in October 2010.

Gerard, by his family…

"Gerry was 24 years old and 5ft 10”. He had dark brown hair. Gerry was the eldest of five boys and he was a very loving, kind son who was matured for his age. He loved his home and family. He had a lovely personality, quiet and but funny at times. He enjoyed being with his younger brothers, especially Sean who has Down Syndrome. Sean still misses Gerry very much. Gerry’s hobbies were darts and snooker, any kind of sport and a night out with his mates".

"I think Gerry’s friends would describe him as a good friend and fun to be with. They still miss him and he had no enemies that we know about. Gerry would never have hurt anyone".

"I couldn’t have asked for a better son".

Peter Wilson

Peter Wilson (21 yrs), was last seen in Falls Park in August 1973. Peter did not return to his home at St James’s Road, Belfast. His disappearance was confirmed in October 2009 and is being investigated by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR).

His body was found in November 2010.

Brendan Megraw

Brendan disappeared from his home in Twinbrook, Belfast on 8th April 1978. His body was recovered on 1st October 2014.

Brendan, by his family…

“When Brendan disappeared on Saturday 8th April 1978, he was 23 years old. He was 5ft 8” tall and had very dark brown hair, which he wore long as that was the style at the time. He also had sideburns, a thin brown moustache and blue eyes”.

“Brendan was very much his own man. He didn’t like being told what to do. He was very particular about his appearance and always had a shine on his shoes. He had attended St Finians and La Salle schools and he had served on the altar at Clonard. He worked at a number of different jobs such as hotel work, in a carpet factory and a sign making company, which he enjoyed but for a variety of reasons were not long term”.

“Brendan was happily married for almost a year and he was living for the day of the birth of his daughter and being a dad. Within his own band of friends Brendan would have been very talkative with a mischievous sense of humour. At larger gatherings or more formal social occasions, Brendan would have been quieter. He was a friendly person who enjoyed life and just wanted to have a good time”.

“As his mum always said, “he was motorbike mad”. He enjoyed taking them apart, fixing them, cleaning them and racing them. He went for day trips on the bike with his friends or to the races at Kirkstown/Dundrod. Brendan was always engrossed in cars and kept his red MG Midget spotlessly clean. His two pet hates were football and politics.His friends described him as a good friend who could be relied upon and he was good company”.

Kevin McKee

Kevin disappeared on 2nd October 1972. His body was recovered on June 2015.

Kevin, by his family…

“Kevin was 17 years old and he was very tall. He had dark curly hair. He had beautiful white curly hair as a baby, but as he grew older he didn’t like his curls. Kevin was a very caring young boy. He was the first-born and was always very protective of his younger siblings. He was very much family orientated and fiercely loyal. He was shy but very helpful to elders; he was quiet and spent most of his time at home with his family. He was very close to his mother and would do odd jobs to help support the family. He was very athletic and loved football and sports. He could possibly have been very successful at school. He loved playing football and he loved drawing. He was a very good artist. He would sketch and draw in his spare time. Kevin was outgoing but he was shy too”.

“He has lots of mates both in school and outside of school. He was a typical mischievous youth. His friends described him as a tall likeable gentleman. He had a good sense of humour and he was loved by all who knew him. His disappearance was a tragedy. He had been engaged to a very pretty young girl just before he disappeared”.

Seamus Wright

Seamus Ruddy

Seamus disappeared in Paris on 9th May 1985. His body was recovered on May 6th 2017.

Seamus, by his family…

"Seamus was of average build, about 5ft 6” with dark brown hair. He had a beard, although in springtime he sometimes shaved it off to leave just a moustache. Under his glasses he had the most beautiful blue eyes. He was 33 years old when he disappeared. He was the youngest boy of a family of 9. He had 5 sisters and 3 brothers. He lived in Newry and educated at Newry CBS".

"You couldn’t say Seamus was one type of person. He was a different person to everyone who knew him; I only discovered that after his disappearance".

"Seamus was a kind hearted, thoughtful and humorous person. He was wise, caring, a walking encyclopaedia, meticulous and a hard worker at whatever he chose to do. He was always concerned about the welfare and well being of his 34 nephews and nieces. On Christmas morning he visited as many of Santa’s houses as he could to play with the children’s toys!"

"He was a very good listener and he was able to enjoy the craic wherever he went. He enjoyed a good laugh and always looked for the positive side of the situation. His laugh was an infectious one, so when he laughed you laughed too".

"Seamus really enjoyed all types of music especially The Chieftains, Christy Moore and Planxty. The Flead Cheoils were a part of his life. Otis Reading and Aretha Franklin were also appreciated by him. Rory Gallagher and Thin Lizzy were rated highly too".

"He was an avid reader especially politics and world affairs and he could discuss the current affairs of any country in the world".

"Seamus was always there for his friends, no matter who needed help he would come to their aid. He even played hurley once for Newry Shamrocks because they were a man short and he was co-opted on to the team".

"He definitely was not athletic but still played to help the team out. Seamus always fulfilled his promises. It was not in his vocabulary to let anyone down. I think friends would describe him as dependable, kind and trustworthy".

Jean McConville

Jean disappeared on the 7th December 1972. Her body was recovered on 27th August, 2003 at Shillington Beach, Co. Louth.

Jean, by her family…

“Mum was 37 years old and she had dark brown hair and lovely blue eyes. She was small in height and she was a very quiet woman who was gentle and caring”.

“I remember Mum and Dad always together and can remember Mum always wearing an apron like the one in the picture and she always folded her arms like the way she is in the picture Mum and Dad were close and we were a close family. She always came round at night and gave us a good night kiss. After my Daddy died she was just trying to raise her own children by herself and that couldn’t have been easy but she did her best”.

“Mum was always busy and she was rarely out of the house. She was at home all the time in the house clearing and making sure we were all clean and that there was food on the table for us. She had a good sense of humour too and always had time for her family. The one hobby she enjoyed was bingo and other than that she was always with her children”.

“It has been terrible since she was taken. From day one we were put in a home and we had to learn how to survive on our own. You had to learn to survive if you wanted to get on with your life because the home wasn’t easy. It was very strict but being split up from your brothers and sisters was the hardest thing of all”.

Eamon Molloy

Eamon disappeared 1st July 1975. His body located on the 28th May 1999 at Old Faughart Cemetery, four miles outside Dundalk.

Eamon, by his family…

"Eamon was of average size. He was 21 years old when he disappeared. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. Eamon was very thoughtful to others less fortunate than himself. He was a shy young man and was easily embarrassed when he was younger but he grew out of that as he got older".

"He loved playing snooker and he was learning to play the mandolin at the time of his disappearance".

"He had so many friends. Some of them still call to see me and they talk about things that happened when they were young and the things that happened in school. They still talk about how they miss him and the fun they all used to have together".

Brian McKinney

Brian disappeared 25th May 1978. His body was located on 29th June 1999 at Colgagh, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan along with John McClory’s body. John McClory had been kidnapped an hour earlier.

Brian, by his family…

"Brian was small and his nickname was “Bru” because of Brian Bru was a giant and he was so small. He had dark brown hair, which he loved, and he kept it well groomed. He was 22 years old when he was taken away from us".

"Brian was never a well boy. He was in and out of hospital and had bad asthma and eczema. When he was 14 years old he was diagnosed as having the mind of a six year old. It was genetic thing. We were all very protective of Brian. He was very popular in the area with the neighbours and he was always singing and he played a mouth organ and the guitar. In fact, sometimes you had to tell him to be quiet. He was very musical. Brian was funny without even meaning to be, he hadn’t an ounce of sense".

"He went out to work on Thursday 25th May 1978 and he never came home. I still can’t get him out of my mind especially what he must have felt like in his last moments. I know he would have cried".

"His friends would tell you how good natured he was. He would have given away his last penny. He would have been very easily led but he wouldn’t have harmed a fly. He is still so much missed by us all".

Eugene Simons

Eugene disappeared on 1st January 1981. His body was recovered by accident three years later on the 24th May 1984 in a bog at Knockbridge, Dundalk.

Eugene, by his family…

"Eugene was fairly tall, about 5ft 11”. He was 26 years old and he had brown hair. He was abducted on New Years Day in 1981".

"Eugene was a plumber by trade and he was never out of work. He was a very good tradesman. He loved angling, darts and a social night out".

"He got on well with all he came in to contact with but sadly it was some of his so called friends that set him up for abduction".

.

Danny McIlhone

Danny disappeared on 1st July 1981.

His body was discovered in 2008 in bogland near the Blessington Lakes in Co. Wicklow.

Gareth O’Connor

Gareth disappeared 11th May 2003. His body was found June 12th 2005 at Victoria Lock, just outside of Newry.

Gareth O’Connor was not included in the remit and legislation of 1999 for The Independant Commission for The Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR)

Gareth, by his family…

"Gareth was very tall and well built with short dark brown hair. He was 24 years old when he disappeared".

"Gareth was a very good-natured person and he was friendly and easy to get on with. He would have been the first person to help you when needed. Gareth was a very outgoing person and was also a practical joker. He was always playing some sort of jokes on people".

"Gareth’s hobbies were around fixing up old cars and bodybuilding. He would have trained 7 nights a week at a local gym".

"I think Gareth’s friends would have described him as a very loyal friend and fun to be with. His friends miss him badly. His close friends find it hard to talk about what has happened".

John McClory

John disappeared on the 25th of May 1978. His body was located on 29th June 1999 at Colgagh, Iniskeen, Co. Monaghan along with Brian McKinney’s body.

John, by his family…

"John was very tall with long black hair. He was very tall for his age. He was almost 19 years old when he disappeared. He was a friendly boy and always tried to help the elderly neighbours who lived beside us. He would help them carry their shopping to the house. He was very outgoing, funny and very talkative".

"John took great pride in his appearance especially his long hair. His hair was his pride and joy!"

"He loved sports but was an armchair fan, rather than actively playing any sports. He was just like any other 18 year old, living life to the full and enjoying himself".

"His friends and his family miss him very much. I know his friends would have viewed him differently than me. I only had seen him as my brother, although when I talk to some of his friends we have a laugh about what he used to get up to".

Charlie Armstrong

Charlie disappeared on 15th August 1981. His body was found in County Monaghan in July 2010.

Charlie, by his family…

"Charlie was medium in height and roughly 5 ft 4”. He was 54 years old when he disappeared and he had receding brown hair. Charlie was a very pleasant, outgoing man. He was a very talkative person who loved a bit of craic with other people and he could be very funny. His hobbies were mainly around animals. He loved horse racing and backing horses, he also loved dogs and caged birds. He was a football fan and enjoyed gardening, decorating and fishing".

"Charlie’s friends would describe him as being very obliging, always willing to help neighbours. Nothing was too much for him to do for other people".

"Charlie was a very good husband and father. He was a very caring person".

Gerard Evans

Gerard Anthony (Gerry) disappeared on his way home to Crossmaglen. He was last seen on the roadside out of Castleblaney trying to hitch a lift back home. His body was found in October 2010.

Gerard, by his family…

"Gerry was 24 years old and 5ft 10”. He had dark brown hair. Gerry was the eldest of five boys and he was a very loving, kind son who was matured for his age. He loved his home and family. He had a lovely personality, quiet and but funny at times. He enjoyed being with his younger brothers, especially Sean who has Down Syndrome. Sean still misses Gerry very much. Gerry’s hobbies were darts and snooker, any kind of sport and a night out with his mates".

"I think Gerry’s friends would describe him as a good friend and fun to be with. They still miss him and he had no enemies that we know about. Gerry would never have hurt anyone".

"I couldn’t have asked for a better son".

Peter Wilson

Peter Wilson (21 yrs), was last seen in Falls Park in August 1973. Peter did not return to his home at St James’s Road, Belfast. His disappearance was confirmed in October 2009 and is being investigated by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains (ICLVR).

His body was found in November 2010.

Brendan Megraw

Brendan disappeared from his home in Twinbrook, Belfast on 8th April 1978. His body was recovered on 1st October 2014.

Brendan, by his family…

“When Brendan disappeared on Saturday 8th April 1978, he was 23 years old. He was 5ft 8” tall and had very dark brown hair, which he wore long as that was the style at the time. He also had sideburns, a thin brown moustache and blue eyes”.

“Brendan was very much his own man. He didn’t like being told what to do. He was very particular about his appearance and always had a shine on his shoes. He had attended St Finians and La Salle schools and he had served on the altar at Clonard. He worked at a number of different jobs such as hotel work, in a carpet factory and a sign making company, which he enjoyed but for a variety of reasons were not long term”.

“Brendan was happily married for almost a year and he was living for the day of the birth of his daughter and being a dad. Within his own band of friends Brendan would have been very talkative with a mischievous sense of humour. At larger gatherings or more formal social occasions, Brendan would have been quieter. He was a friendly person who enjoyed life and just wanted to have a good time”.

“As his mum always said, “he was motorbike mad”. He enjoyed taking them apart, fixing them, cleaning them and racing them. He went for day trips on the bike with his friends or to the races at Kirkstown/Dundrod. Brendan was always engrossed in cars and kept his red MG Midget spotlessly clean. His two pet hates were football and politics.His friends described him as a good friend who could be relied upon and he was good company”.

Kevin McKee

Kevin disappeared on 2nd October 1972. His body was recovered on June 2015.

Kevin, by his family…

“Kevin was 17 years old and he was very tall. He had dark curly hair. He had beautiful white curly hair as a baby, but as he grew older he didn’t like his curls. Kevin was a very caring young boy. He was the first-born and was always very protective of his younger siblings. He was very much family orientated and fiercely loyal. He was shy but very helpful to elders; he was quiet and spent most of his time at home with his family. He was very close to his mother and would do odd jobs to help support the family. He was very athletic and loved football and sports. He could possibly have been very successful at school. He loved playing football and he loved drawing. He was a very good artist. He would sketch and draw in his spare time. Kevin was outgoing but he was shy too”.

“He has lots of mates both in school and outside of school. He was a typical mischievous youth. His friends described him as a tall likeable gentleman. He had a good sense of humour and he was loved by all who knew him. His disappearance was a tragedy. He had been engaged to a very pretty young girl just before he disappeared”.

Columba McVeigh

Columba disappeared on 1st November 1975, his body has never been recovered.

Columba, by his family…

"Columba was the third of four precious children born to Paddy and Vera McVeigh.He grew up in the rural setting of Castlecaulfield in Co Tyrone where life was sometimes hard making the security of a loving family very special. Columba grew up to be a fine big tall and handsome fella with curly golden hair".

"He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his bike, playing football, often returning home covered in muck from head to toe. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed playing a trick on family and friends. He worked hard and went to Dublin to take up a job. It was from there that Columba disappeared 29 years ago at the age of 17".

Robert Nairac

Robert disappeared in 1977.

His body has never been recovered.

Joe Lynskey

In February 2010 Joe Lynskey was added to the official list of The Disappeared. He went missing from his West Belfast home in 1972.